by Deborah Lanser
Introduction
Every year, an influx of new members provides a fresh perspective on the strengths and limitations of Bard LLI. This year, 22 members from the class of 2023 responded to the new member survey, sharing their enthusiasm, insights, and concerns. Those comments will be taken to heart as we strive to improve our functioning and offerings. Here’s a brief overview of their feedback.
Having a Mentor
Most responses were positive:
My mentor’s enthusiasm and knowledge were a welcome addition. By bringing together the Red Hook/Rhinebeck people, she created additional support and camaraderie within the greater LLI community.
Compassionate and helpful.
My mentor was helpful and answered my questions about LLI,
Complicated getting the parking sticker. My mentor helped.
My mentor contacted me but I didn’t need any help.
But the program didn’t work for everyone:
My mentor did not contact me.
Mentor sent one introductory email. Otherwise I do not recall any proactive communications.
Never had one.
Orientation
Most found orientation was helpful:
The event was a good introduction in every way.
Orientation was great for connecting with new people and for answering any questions.
Got introduced to people involved and nature of LLI program.
It was inspiring to learn of all the activities and how many members help out.
Nice to put faces to names.
Helped me feel included in the community.
With a few caveats.
The space was a little congested.
Could be shortened to 30 minutes.
Website
Almost everyone had familiarized themselves with the website:
Very helpful and easy to use.
Information easy to find.
Once I attended the orientation and learned the subtleties, I am able to find what I need and want.
And some had suggestions.
More information about LLI on the homepage instead of walks and bocce and COVID and social things. Suggest promoting courses and objectives and mission.
Not easy to find what I wanted—more description of courses.
In-person Classes
The overall response to the in-person classes was positive. One enthusiastic soul took five in-person classes and another took four. Everyone else was content with one to three. Here’s a sample of some reactions:
The quality was excellent, both in instructors, content and fellow students.
The classes were life-changing!
So impressed with the quality of the presenters.
The quality was excellent, both in content and fellow students.
Social Events
About half of respondents attended a social event.
Glad you have added a layer of social events in addition to the classes.
The end of semester event for the first-years was well done and a great idea.
Keep them coming, especially during the day.
The most recent reception for new members was lovely.
Good to get to know people and more about LLI.
Some had difficulty integrating into the community.
Most present seemed to know each other and form their own groups.
I found as a new member I had to be pretty outgoing to meet and speak with people.
Volunteering
About half of respondents were willing to volunteer, with one person saying, “I plan to be involved as long as I am able.” For those who expressed interest in some specific areas, here’s who to contact for more information:
Social events, orientation, membership: Contact [email protected].
Class manager: Contact Joanne Goodman at [email protected].
Communications, such as proofreading or writing articles for the newsletter: Contact Deborah Lanser at [email protected].
Producing or presenting a course: Contact Mary McClellan at [email protected]
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